London has no shortage of places to impress on a date, but with so many options, narrowing it down can feel overwhelming. The city has everything from centuries-old dining rooms draped in candlelight to rooftop restaurants with skyline views that do half the work for you.
If you're planning a special evening and want somewhere that actually feels romantic (not just Instagrammable), you're in the right place. This guide covers five of the best romantic restaurants in London, ranging from intimate neighborhood gems to iconic fine dining rooms.
Clos Maggiore
Clos Maggiore during Christmas | Photo Credit: Flickr
- Address: 33 King Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8JD
- What to order: Roasted duck breast, hand-rolled pasta, and anything from the sommelier-curated wine list
- Price range: $80–$150 USD per person
If there's one restaurant in London that practically defines romance, its Clos Maggiore. Located in Covent Garden, this beloved French-Mediterranean spot is ranked among the most romantic restaurants in London. The interior is extraordinary with open fireplaces, trailing cherry blossom branches, and a retractable glass roof that opens up on warm evenings to let in the stars.
The menu is just as impressive as the setting. Expect refined French cooking with seasonal ingredients, dishes like roasted duck breast and hand-rolled pasta, and a wine list that runs deep into Burgundy and Rhône. Book the conservatory if you can; it's the most intimate space in the house and fills up weeks in advance on weekends.
🗓️ Klook Tip: Clos Maggiore gets booked out fast, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Reserve at least two to three weeks ahead for a weekend table, and request the conservatory when you book.
Bob Bob Ricard
Bob Bob Ricard in Soho, London | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
- Address: 1 Upper James Street, Soho, London W1F 9DF
- What to order: Beef Wellington, chicken Kiev, and Champagne
- Price range: $70–$130 USD per person
For a date night with a bit of drama, Bob Bob Ricard delivers on every front. This Soho restaurant is famous for its gold "Press for Champagne" buttons at every table, yes, an actual button you press when you want a top-up.
It sounds gimmicky, but somehow it works perfectly here, fitting right into the 1920s Pullman train carriage-inspired décor. The whole place feels like a luxurious trip back in time.
The food is a blend of British and Russian classics: beef Wellington, chicken Kiev, caviar, and steak tartare all feature on a menu that prioritizes comfort and quality in equal measure. As one of the best restaurants for couples in London, it’s a rare balance between theatrical atmosphere and genuinely good food.
🍾 Klook Tip: Bob Bob Ricard has a "no corkage on Mondays" policy, so if you want to bring your own wine, that's the night to go. The private dining room is also worth enquiring about for a truly special occasion.
Duck & Waffle
The signature Duck & Waffle meal in Duck & Waffle | Photo Credit: Flickr
- Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
- What to order: Duck & Waffle (the signature), ox cheek doughnut, and any of the seasonal cocktails
- Price range: $60–$120 USD per person
For one of the most spectacular views in London, Duck & Waffle is on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate. The restaurant is open 24 hours, which makes it a great option for a late-night date. Floor-to-ceiling windows give you panoramic views across the city; it's the kind of backdrop that makes any occasion feel more significant.
The signature dish is exactly what it sounds like: confit duck leg served on a waffle, topped with a fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup. It's an unusual combination that absolutely works. and it's become one of London's most recognizable plates. The rest of the menu leans into similarly bold flavor pairings, with cocktails to match.
For even more elevated dining with views across London, The Shard is just across the river; you can also book a View from The Shard ticket as part of your evening.
🌅 Klook Tip: Arrive just before sunset for the best of both worlds, golden hour views followed by the full city lit up at night. Request a window table when booking.
The Lecture Room & Library at Sketch
The Lecture Room & Library at sketch | Photo Credit: Flickr
- Address: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG
- What to order: The seasonal tasting menu with wine pairing; let the kitchen decide
- Price range: $150–$250 USD per person
The Lecture Room & Library at Sketch, on the first floor of this Mayfair institution, holds two Michelin stars and feels like dining inside a stately home that's been gently reimagined for the 21st century. The room is all rich fabrics, dramatic lighting, and carefully curated antiques; it's one of the best candlelit restaurants in London for good reason.
French chef Pierre Gagnaire's influence runs throughout the menu, which changes with the seasons and prioritizes technique without losing warmth. A meal here is a full evening: multi-course tasting menus, optional wine pairings, and a pace that encourages you to sit back and enjoy.
For a comprehensive look at Michelin-recognized dining in the city, our guide to Michelin star restaurants in London covers the full landscape.
🍽️ Klook Tip: Sketch also has the famous pink Gallery room downstairs, consider booking an after-dinner drink there as a finishing touch to your evening.
Circolo Popolare
Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia | Photo Credit: Flickr
- Address: 40-41 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1HX
- What to order: Cacio e pepe, wood-fired pizza, and the tiramisu to finish
- Price range: $40–$70 USD per person
If you're after something more lively than candlelit and intimate, Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia brings full Italian chaos in the best possible way. The decor is maximalist to an extraordinary degree, with plants covering every surface, walls of wine bottles, and ceiling installations that look like they belong on a film set.
For couples who'd rather have fun than be formal, it's one of the best date night restaurants in London. The menu is generous and crowd-pleasing: long pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and Italian small plates designed for sharing. The buzz in the room adds to the energy, and it's particularly good for earlier dinners when you're planning to head on somewhere afterwards.
For a memorable night out on the Thames, consider pairing dinner here with a gourmet dinner on the Bustronome luxury bus for a completely different kind of London dining experience.
Klook Tip: Circolo Popolare doesn't take reservations for smaller groups, arrive early (from 5:30 PM) to grab a table without a long wait, especially on weekend evenings.
Sky Garden: the perfect end to a date night
Sky Garden London at sunset
If you want to close the night on a high, Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street is one of London's most impressive spots to do it. Sitting 35 floors above the city, the rooftop garden has wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views stretching from the Thames to the horizon. It's free to visit with a timed entry ticket, but the atmosphere feels anything but ordinary.
For a proper date night experience, the Sky Garden Music Night with a glass of Champagne takes things up a level. Live music, Champagne, and one of the best views in London, it's the kind of thing that turns a good evening into a great one.
If you'd rather combine the views with a full sit-down meal, the Sky Garden ticket with dinner at The Larch is a great all-in-one option, with an audio guide included.
FAQs about romantic restaurants in London
What are the most romantic restaurants in London?
Clos Maggiore is frequently cited as the most romantic restaurant in London, thanks to its cherry blossom-adorned conservatory and open fireplace. Sketch's Lecture Room & Library in Mayfair is another strong contender, with its two Michelin stars and elegant décor. For something with spectacular city views, Duck & Waffle is hard to beat, especially after dark.
Where should I go for a special occasion dinner in London?
For a truly special occasion, consider Sketch Lecture Room & Library for its two Michelin stars and theatrical atmosphere, or Clos Maggiore if you want something intimate and classically romantic. Bob Bob Ricard is also a popular choice for birthdays and anniversaries, the Champagne button alone tends to make the evening memorable.
What are the best rooftop restaurants for a date in London?
Duck & Waffle on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate is one of the best options for height and views, and it stays open all night. Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street offers a more garden-like setting at a similar elevation and is worth visiting on a clear evening.
For a ticketed rooftop music experience with Champagne, the Sky Garden Music Night is an excellent date night choice.
What is the most romantic area in London for dinner?
Covent Garden is one of the most romantic areas in London for a dinner out, with cobbled streets, street performers, and restaurants like Clos Maggiore that have been drawing couples for years. Mayfair is a strong alternative if you want something more refined and upscale.
What are the best affordable romantic restaurants in London?
Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia is one of the best bets for a romantic evening without a hefty bill, the atmosphere is electric, the Italian food is hearty, and sharing plates keep costs manageable. Many London restaurants also offer set lunch menus or early evening deals at a fraction of the à la carte price
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